St Paul DUI Defense Attorney
The sound of a siren behind you can be one of the most threatening and terrifying things to experience on the road. Your immediate response is most likely to freeze up, even if you have done nothing wrong. Regardless of why you have been pulled over, there is a good chance that the officer will check to see if you have been drinking and driving. Excessive speeding, swerving, poor driving habits or any other suspicious activity on the road can all lead to a DWI arrest. So what should you do if you are pulled over on suspicions of drinking and driving? And, more importantly, what should you avoid?
Handling a DWI Arrest
The first thing you need to do is remain calm. Many people will try to either sweet talk their way out of an arrest or else get angry and attempt to bully their way to freedom. Both of these options are poor ones. Instead, remain in control and quiet and allow the officer to do his job. You will have a chance to explain your side of the story but first you need to have a lawyer present.
The officer will most likely ask you for the driver’s license as well as the vehicle registration. They may ask you to step outside the car. Your car may be searched in some instances and you may be asked to take certain sobriety tests. You may be asked to walk in a straight line or count backwards. All of these questions and comments are normal police protocol and it is best to do as the officer requests without getting angry, frustrated or upset.
To Test or Not to Test?
There are three different testing options usually offered when you have been accused of a DWI. The most common test is the breathalyzer which checks your blood alcohol content level when you breathe on a stick. The breathalyzer is never 100% accurate which is why you may also be asked to take a blood test or provide a urine sample when you arrive at the police station. All three of these tests are not mandatory which means you have the right to refuse them.
However, if you do refuse to take these tests and you are later found guilty, then you may be facing a gross misdemeanor charge instead of a misdemeanor. The difference could end up costing you up to $2000 extra in fines as well as up to one year in prison. Weigh your options carefully or contact a lawyer before deciding whether or not to take the tests.
Keep in mind that anything you say and do while speaking to a police officer can be used against you in a court of law. This is why it is so important to do as the officer instructs and then keep your mouth shut until a lawyer is present.
You have the right to an attorney and you will be given this right as soon as you reach the station. Instead of explaining your story (“I only had one beer”, “I didn’t know I would blow over….”), stay quiet and let a St Paul criminal defense attorney do the talking.
Facing a criminal conviction? Contact criminal defense attorney William K. Bulmer II today at 612-384-7003 for a free consultation.
